Frederick Glenn Coburn

Frederick ‘Fred’ Glenn Coburn began a full, rich life on May 25, 1937 in Keeler, California. His earthly journey was complete, and his end of watch was on March 16, 2026.

Born in his grandparents’ house in the exceptionally small mining and railroad town that sits in the shadows of Mt. Whitney, Fred had numerous adventures. He attended elementary school in a one-room schoolhouse and graduated from Lone Pine High School. Fred was an accomplished athlete and played every sport the school offered. In addition, he became the first Eagle Scout in the Owens Valley. After graduation, Fred enlisted in the U.S. Navy and continued his life’s adventure. Although not a pilot, he flew with 40 different pilots and landed and took off from 5 different aircraft carriers. He served as an in-flight refueling specialist on the first carrier-based, atomic bomb carrying airplane. His service was an experience he loved and never forgot.

Fred enjoyed a remarkable career in law enforcement, spanning from 1959 to 2012. He had 53 years of service beginning as a police officer in Newport Beach California to Inyo County Sheriff’s Office, back to Newport Beach Police Department, to Orange County Sheriff’s Office, to Orange County Coroner’s Office, to POST (police officers standards and trailing) in Sacramento, then 20 years as Chief of Police in Bishop. After ‘retirement’, Fred expanded his career by creating a course to teach law enforcement to the top officers in Pakistan. He traveled to Pakistan 14 separate times to teach the law enforcement course he created. He then traveled to Bangladesh, Ethiopia, South Africa, Moldova, Uganda, Bangladesh again, Kyrgyzstan, then Bangladesh one final time. Fred was 78 years old when he took his last teaching assignment. In addition to his extensive career, Fred volunteered his time to numerous organizations and events, and taught his family by example, the value of serving others. Although he had an amazing career, his main focus and top priority was his family.

Fred and his wife Jean met while he was an Inyo County Sheriff Deputy and she worked at the Welfare Department. Their story spans 65 years of marriage of true love and devotion. They had three children who they fully loved, supported, and encouraged. This dedication never stopped and continued on to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He contributed his success to the assistance and support of his soulmate, Jean. Together they taught their family to serve others, focus on their families, and have faith in our Lord. His love, devotion, strength and wisdom will live on in all who knew him. He had a message for everyone: “Your attitude determines your outcomes. Believe in yourself, stay positive, find the good in everything and know you are valued. Never let anything stop you from reaching your goals. If a boy born in 1937 in Keeler, California, can achieve the life I’ve had, including traveling the world teaching law enforcement to the top officers in 7 different countries, anything is possible.”

His favorite quote was from his friend and co-instructor, Ray Bray, referencing their teaching overseas, “How often does a person get to change an entire country.” Frederick G. Coburn changed the lives of many people throughout his life, both at home and around the world, and always for the better. He is loved and will be greatly missed.

Fred is survived by the family he loved and dedicated his life to: his wife, Jean who never left his side; his children Kathy Coburn, Thomas (Elizabeth) Coburn, and Heather (David) Paredes. His grandchildren Marina (Trey) Miller, Victoria (Damen) Campbell, McKayla (Moses) Rodriguez, DJ Paredes, Kati Paredes, and Ellen Coburn; his great-grandchildren Carson, Sophi, Charlie, Dani, Zoey, Milo and Grayci.

Services for Frederick G. Coburn will be held on March 31, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Bowman Funeral Home in Garden City, Idaho with Veterans’ honors following at the Idaho State Veterans’ Cemetery in Boise. In lieu of flowers, go play a round of golf, go fishing, or spend a day in the mountains in his honor.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.bowmanfuneral.com.